Day 1: Journey to the Queen of Hills, Shimla
Your adventure begins with a pickup from Chandigarh by our representative. Enjoy a scenic drive to Shimla, the beloved "Queen of Hills." Upon arrival in Shimla in the evening, check into your pre-booked hotel. Relax and unwind with a delicious dinner before settling in for the night.
- Overnight Stay: Hotel in Shimla
Day 2: Drive from Shimla to Sangla
After a hearty breakfast, check out of the hotel and embark on a journey to the beautiful Sangla Valley, nestled in the Kinnaur district. En route, visit the picturesque villages of Sangla and Kamru. Sangla Valley, also known as Baspa Valley, is renowned for its stunning views, including apple orchards, rivers, and snow-clad mountains. The rich Tibetan culture of Sangla and the enchanting beauty of Baspa Valley make it a must-visit destination. Explore the Bering Nag Temple, dedicated to Lord Jagas (Lord Shiva), known for the "Phulaich Fair" during August and September. After your visit, check into your hotel in Sangla and enjoy a delicious dinner.
- Overnight Stay: Hotel in Sangla
Day 3: Drive from Sangla to Chitkul to Kalpa
Start your day with breakfast, soaking in the morning sun, before heading towards Chitkul, the last inhabited village near the India-China border. The drive from Sangla to Chitkul is one of the most scenic routes, offering countless opportunities for stunning photographs. Wander along the Baspa River and visit the Mathi Goddess Temple in Chitkul. Afterward, drive to Kalpa, a village believed to have been the winter home of Lord Shiva. The majestic views of the Kinner-Kailash and Jorkandan peaks make Kalpa an unforgettable destination.
- Overnight Stay: Hotel in Kalpa
Day 4: Drive from Kalpa to Nako to Tabo
Today, continue your journey along the famous Hindustan – Tibet Highway (NH 22), known as one of the "Most Treacherous Roads of the World" by Lonely Planet. As you drive, marvel at the changing landscapes from the lush greens of Kinnaur Valley to the varied hues of brown. After a refueling stop at Puh, visit Nako Lake, a serene escape surrounded by willow and poplar trees, adding to its charm. Proceed to Tabo, entering the stunning Spiti Valley. Along the way, stop at Gue Monastery in Gue Village and visit the ancient Tabo Monastery, known as the Ajanta of the Himalayas. The monastery is a significant symbol of Indo-Tibetan Buddhism. Check into your hotel in Tabo for dinner and an overnight stay.
- Overnight Stay: Hotel in Tabo
Day 5: Tour of Dhankar Monastery & Pin Valley
After breakfast, travel to the mesmerizing Dhankar Village, the former capital of Spiti Valley. Dhankar offers panoramic views of the valley and is home to a 1200-year-old monastery perched precariously on a rocky precipice. If time permits, enjoy a short 45-minute trek to the turquoise-colored Dhankar Lake. Later, head to Pin Valley, where you’ll stay at a homestay in Phukchum.
- Overnight Stay: Homestay in Pin Valley
Day 6: Pin Valley to Kaza
After breakfast, explore the beautiful Pin Valley, a national park teeming with wildlife, rare plant species, and breathtaking landscapes. Visit the Kungri Monastery and the quaint village of Mudh, the last motorable village in Pin Valley. The park is home to endangered snow leopards, Siberian ibex, bharal, and various bird species like the golden eagle and bearded vulture. In the evening, drive to Kaza, the commercial hub of Spiti Valley.
- Overnight Stay: Hotel in Kaza
Day 7: Explore Kaza – Langza – Hikkim – Komik – Ki Monastery – Kibber – Gette
Today, visit some of the highest inhabited regions in the world. Start with Komik, Asia's highest village at 4513 meters. This isolated farming village is surrounded by snow-capped mountains and is home to rare wildlife like the Tibetan wolf and blue sheep. Next, visit Hikkim, home to the world's highest post office, where you can send a postcard. Continue to Langza, known for its rich fossil deposits and ancient temple. After lunch in Kaza, visit the Ki Monastery, a thousand-year-old structure that serves as a center of learning and refuge for Tibetans. Drive to Kibber, a former high-altitude village, popular for trekking, before heading to the secluded village of Gette for stunning aerial views of Kaza.
- Overnight Stay: Hotel in Kaza
Day 8: Drive from Kaza to Losar to Kunzum La to Chandratal Lake
On this day, drive to Chandratal Lake, one of the most photogenic spots in Spiti Valley. En route, cross the high-altitude pass of Kunzum La at 15,000 feet, stopping to pay homage to the local goddess, "Kunzum Mata." Continue to Chandratal Lake, a stunning blue lake at 4,300 meters, known for its crescent shape and changing colors. Spend the evening camping near the lake, under a sky filled with stars.
- Overnight Stay: Camp near Chandratal Lake
Day 9: Drive from Chandratal Lake to Chattru to Rohtang Pass to Manali
After a morning at Chandratal Lake, drive towards Manali. Stop for tea at Batal and lunch at Chattru before crossing the famous Rohtang Pass. Arrive in Manali in the evening, where your unforgettable Spiti Valley journey concludes. You’ll have the evening free to explore Manali at your leisure.
- Overnight Stay: Hotel in Manali
Day 10: Manali Local Sightseeing and Departure
On the final day, enjoy breakfast with stunning views of the Himalayas from your hotel in Manali. Your cab will take you on a half-day local sightseeing tour of Manali. As you descend from the mountains, take time to acclimatize back to modern life. In the evening, board your pre-booked Volvo for an overnight journey back to Delhi.
